Tinker Bell & The Lost Treasure

Great DVD but beware there is one part with the rats that my little girl (nearly 3) found scary.The rest of the DVD is brilliant though.

Note: The review that follows is of the "Combi Pack" edition of Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure in both the DVD and Blu-ray formats, released in the U.S. on October 27, 2009.

Based on my observations of the young children who watched this film with me, this latest Tinker Bell film will be an especially popular animated feature among those in the 4-ten age group. Although it lacks the powerful story line and colorful characters found in Snow White and Pinocchio, it offers abundant charm and I appreciate the absence of Disney's darker themes (e.g. separation from loved ones as well as humiliation and repudiation, as in Dumbo) that upset many younger children. Tinker Bell is a creature of mischief whose various adventures entertain rather than generate concern. The plot (such as it is) involves Tink in a journey by hot air balloon from Pixie Hollow to locate a new moonstone to produce the fairies' magical dust. Blaze (a lightning bug) is her enlightening companion and, of course, there are lots of complications and disruptions before Terence appears to rescue them. At least a few younger viewers will pick up on the understated life lessons that Tink learns from her experiences but the primary objective, as always, is to affirm certain basic human values such as faith and trust.

The quality of image and sound is outstanding, as is the musical score. Bonus features include "Fairy Bloopers: Fairies Make Mistakes Too," "Magical Guide to Pixie Hollow: Explore the magical Guide This Time in the Autumn Area of Pixie Hollow," "Pixie Preview: Exclusive Animated Vignette" featuring Tink and her friends, deleted scenes with filmmaker intros, and "Pixie Hollow comes to Florida: Discover how the filmmakers help transform Epcot Center into Pixie Hollow." However, as is also true of so many other recent Disney re-releases, younger children will have little (if any) interest in the bonus features, other than the games and musicales, whereas many of their parents, grandparents, and other older family members will enjoy "behind the screen" material. I always do. In fact, I have purchased a number of DVDs that, together, cover most of the history and operations throughout the years that Disney led the company.

I think each "Combi Pack" (i.e. providing both DVD and Blu-ray versions) is really quite a bargain. Even for those who do not have Blu-ray capability now, they will have it sooner rather than later. Also, their children's or grandchildren's friends may have it and this film can be shared with them. Blu-ray technology creates the clearest images I have observed thus far, lacking only the spatial dimensions of 3D.

Those in need of some pixie dust in their lives will cherish this film.

Tinker Bell And The Lost Treasure has even more humour and exciting action scenes then the first movie. The animation and colours look wonderful. The story is a little bit darker and scary in places and I found that my nephew of 6 enjoyed The Lost Treasure alot more then the first Tinker Bell movie which was a big surprise. Overall I highly recommend this film for people with young families and hopefully you will also find your whole family glued to the tv for 80mins like my family were!